US sanctions draw Islamabad's rebuke

PM says Pak N-programme not meant for aggression Hopes positive outcome of political dialogue with PTI Vows to p

ISLAMABAD:

The recent US sanctions on National Defence Complex (NDC) and other entities were unjustified, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Tuesday, stressing that Pakistan's nuclear programme was not for any aggression rather it meant only deterrence.

Chairing the federal cabinet meeting, Shehbaz expressed his optimism that the talks initiated between the ruling coalition and the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PT) would bring about positive outcomes and promote peace and economic stability in the country.

Earlier this month, the United States imposed sanctions on the NDC three domestically based private vendors. The prime minister termed the move illogical. He added that Pakistan's nuclear programme was very dear to its 240 million people and they would never make any compromise on it.

The US sanctions are unjustified. There will be no compromise on Pakistan's nuclear programme, Shehbaz declared. "Pakistan's defence system is not for aggression, it is for defence. We will continue to take strong steps for its defence," he added

The prime minister told the cabinet ministers that the Foreign Office had given a coordinated response, but one thing is certain that the entire nation is fully united on this programme. "We will not allow nefarious conspiracies against Pakistan to succeed."

During the meeting, Shehbaz also took cabinet members into confidence on the first round of the talks with the PTI. The federal cabinet welcomed the start of the negotiation process and expressed their gratitude to the prime minister for forming a committee for the negotiations.

"On the suggestion of the Speaker, I formed a committee and our first meeting with PTI was held yesterday (Monday). I am sure that both the negotiation committees will find a solution that is in the best interest of Pakistan," Shehbaz said.

He stressed that the talks could come to fruition if "we promote the national unity" and solidarity. This is a good initiative of the National Assembly speaker. We will contribute with sincerity. But it takes two to tango," the prime minister stated.

He added that the purpose of the negotiations was to put the national interest above personal interests. "If there is discussion, while keeping the national interest in mind, unity will be promoted. There is no doubt on anyone's intentions. I hope that both sides will take the best decisions in Pakistan's interest.

Shehbaz acknowledged that the incidents of terrorism had increased in the past few months. He warned that economic development would not be possible without eliminating the menace of terrorism. He praised the army soldiers who sacrificed their lives for in defence of the homeland.

"We will not rest until terrorism is eradicated completely. With the coordination of the provinces, all resources are being utilised to purge the country of terrorism," he said. During the meeting the cabinet offered Fateha for the martyrs of the security forces.

Regarding the sectarian clashes in the Kurram district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa (K-P), the prime minister criticised the provincial government for utilising the resources to march on Islamabad, instead of addressing the issue.

Referring to his meetings with Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the D-8 Summit in Cairo earlier this months, Shehbaz said that Pakistan-Bangladesh ties were entering a new era. He announced that Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar was scheduled to visit Dhaka in February.

(WITH INPUT FROM APP)